Railway track switch controlling apparatus



June 39,1936,

6. R. PFLASTERER 6,180

RAILWAY TRACK SWITCH CONTROLLING APPARATUS Filed Feb 19, 1955 2Sheets-Sheet 1 W ToRemoie Ganzfrolled T *1 5 2 A afgiasu 7 PM? 0 L 17'?)J \H W1? 18, 1 5 1.9) x 7jh 15 20 L l Signal 00 229 01 Circuits.

Fig. 2.

HIS ATTORNEY June 30, 1936. G. R. PFLASTERER RAILWAY TRACK SWITCHCONTROLLING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 19, 1935 INVENTORGeorge R. P/lasterez HIS ATTORNEY Patented June 30, 1936 UNHTED STATESPATENT OFFICE RAILWAY TRACK SWITCH CONTROLLING APPARATUS ApplicationFebruary 19, 1935, Serial No. 7,225

20 Claims.

My invention relates to railway track switch controlling apparatus, andmore particularly to a means for safeguarding the operation of aremotely controlled power operated switch under conditions where localoperation of the switch is required.

One object of my invention is the provision, in apparatus of thischaracter, of means for insuring that a power operated switch controlledfrom a point remote from the switch may not, after being operated from apoint local to the switch, be restored to control by the apparatus atthe remote point unless the position of the switch and the condition ofthe remote controlled apparatus are in agreement.

Another object of my invention is the provision of means effective tomaintain the switch by power in the position to which last operatedlocally until such time as the remote controlled apparatus again assumescontrol of the switch.

Other objects or" my invention will become apparent from the followingdescription.

I will describe several forms of apparatus embodying my invention, andwill then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. l is a diagrammatic View illustratingone form of apparatus embodying my invention as applied to one type ofswitch operating mechanism. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating amodified form of the apparatus shown in Fig. l, and also embodying myinvention. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the form ofapparatus shown in Fig. l as applied to another type of switch operatingmechanism, and also embodying my invention. Fig. l is a diagrammaticview illustrating a modified form of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3, andalso embodying my invention.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the reference character W designates arailway track switch in a section of track here designated by thereference character Z. The switch W may connect track Z with one end ofa passing siding or may be the converging end of a stretch of doubletrack.

The switch W may be operated by any suitable remote controlled meanssuch, for example, as a mechanism U which is here illustrated as thewell-known electro-pneumatic switch operating mechanism. The switch W isalso provided with local control means here illustrated as twomechanical levers H and S, which, when operated in sequence, permit theswitch to be operated by hand. As will be pointed out in detailhereinafter, lever S controls apparatus which at times prevents controlof the switch by its remote controlled means and at the same timeinserts a mechanical medium between the switch and lever I-l wherebylever H will operate the switch. In the form here showndiagrammatically, this mechanical medium is a link 2 operated by themanually operable selector lever S. When lever S occupies its normal orleft-hand position the link 2 couples the switch W with the mechanism U.When lever S is moved to its right-hand or reverse position, the switchW is disconnected from the mechanism U and is connected with the lever Hwhich may then be manipulated to operate the switch.

When the switch W is conditioned for remote operation, the mechanism Umay be caused to move the switch W between its normal and reversepositions by the energization of a normal magnet N or a reverse magnetR, provided a lock magnet L is energized. The normal and reverse magnetsN and R are controlled by a polar switch control relay WR and the lockmagnet L is controlled by a switch indicating repeating relay KP. Therelay KP is controlled by a polar switch indicating relay KR. The relaysKP and KR are also employed for other purposes which hereinafter will beexplained more in detail.

The switch operating relay WR may be controlled from a point remote fromthe switch by any suitable means, not shown in the drawings, such, forexample, as described in Patent No. 1,380,452 issued June 7, 1921, toPaul F. Willard.

The switch indicating relay KR has a neutral armature which is energizedonly if the selector lever is in its normal position and then only ifthe position of the switch W corresponds with the position of the polararmature of the relay WR. The relay KR also has a polar armature which,when relay KR is energized, assumes a position to correspond to theposition of the switch.

The relay KR, in addition to controlling the relay KP, may also beemployed for controlling wayside signals in any suitable manner, such,for example, as in the manner disclosed in Patent No. 1,959,072, grantedMay 15, 1934, to Herbert A. Wallace.

The switch W governs four contacts 3, 4, and 6 in accordance with theswitch position, by any usual and well-known means. Contacts 3 and 4 areemployed in the control circuit for the relay KR and are effective forenergizing relay KR, with current of one polarity or another inaccordance with the position of the switch. The contacts 5 and 6 areemployed, as will be explained more in detail hereinafter, for at timescontrolling the normal or reverse magnet N or R in accordance with theswitch position.

The selector lever S is provided with three contacts l, 8, and 9, eachof which is closed only when lever S is in its normal position.

The reference character WL designates a lock relay which, as will beexplained more in detail hereinafter, is at times effective fortransferring the switch W from control by the relay WR to control by theswitch indicating contacts 5 and B.

The normal magnet N is provided with two 'cir- V cuits, one of whichpasses from terminal X of a suitable source of 7 current through normalpoint of polar contact lfi'of relay WR, frontpoint of contact Ii ofrelay WL, selector lever contact 8,

r and magnet N to terminal of the same source eludes normal switchindicating contact L and as well as selector lever contact 9.

of current. The other circuit for magnet inback pointof contact ll ofrelay WL, aswell as selector lever contact 8. The reverse magnet Risalso provided with two circuits.

WR and front point of contact l2 of relay WL, The other circuit formagnet R includes'reverse switch indicating contact 6 and front point ofcontact l2 of relay WL, as well as: selector lever contact 9.

The lock magnet L is provided with a circuit which includes back contact53 of relay IQ. The

mechanism U, therefore, when relay KP is deener'gized, maybe caused tooperate the switch Wbetween its normal and reverse positions by thecorresponding movement of'contact Hl'of relay WR provided relay WL isenergized and provided selector lever S is in its normal position.

If relay WL is deenergized'and selector lever S is in its normalposition, the normal magnet N or reverse magnet R will be energized bynormal switch indicating contact 5 or reverse switch indicating contact6, respectively, depending upon the position of the switch.

The relay K1? is provided with a, circuit which includes only frontcontact M of relay KR, so that relay KP is energized or deenergized inaccordance with the energization or deenergization of relay KR. V

The relay KR is provided with a circuit which includes selector levercontact land-switch indicating contacts Stand as well as polar contact I5 of relay WR. Thus, relay KR will be energized only if selector lever Sis in its normal position and'then only if the position of contact l5 ofrelay WR.-corresponds to the position-of the switch W. When selectorlever S is in its'normal position, therefore, the relay KR may be-causedto assume a normal or reverse position depending upon the I position ofthe switch W provided that the position' of relay -WR is in agreementwith the position of the switch W. It is apparent that when relay isoperated by the remote control apparatus,

not shown in the drawings, the relay KR will become released and willagain become energized only when the switch W moves to a position to.agree with the position ofrelay WR. When relay relay WL. Thus, relay WLwill become deener-' gized only upon the reversal ofselector lever S -75and willremain' in that position unless relay KP One circuit includesreverse point of polar contact ill of relay is energized even if lever Sis restored to its normal position. When relay WL is energized, it willbe held in that position by its stick circuit, and will not release uponthe momentary deener gization of relay KP during the usual operation ofthe switch W by the relay WR.

Having thus described in general the various parts illustrated in Fig.1, I shall now explain their operation.

7 With all apparatus in its normal condition, as

' shown in the drawings, I shall assume that switch Wis to be moved toits reverse position inresponse to the reversal of switch control relayWR by the remote controlled apparatus, not shown in r the drawings.v Themovement of polar contacts Ill and l5 of relay WR'to their reversepositions will energize reverse magnet Rand release relay tionrof switchindicating contacts 3 and 4 corre-.

sponds to the position of relay WR, the relay KR will again becomeenergized to reestablish the signal control circuits, not shown in thedrawings,

and to energize the relay KP. The energization of relay KP will removeenergy from lock magnet L and the switch W is in its reverse positionand, a

in a safe condition for the movement of traffic.

Experience has shown that switching movements over a remotely controlledpower operated .switch usually may be facilitated greatly if the c itchis operated locally. In order to explain the operation of the apparatusshown in Fig. 1 when the switch is to be operated locally, I shallassume that a train desiring to make'a number or switching movementsover the switch W has arrived at the switch. A trainman proceeds to theswitch and moves selector lever S to its reverse position to conditionthe switch for localoperation.

The reversal of lever S moves link -2 out of engagement with mechanism Uand into engagement with lever H and also opens contacts I, 8, and 9.The opening or" contact 1 will release both relay WL and relay KR, andthe opening of contacts 8 and 9 will open the control circuits formagnets N and R, respectively. The releasing of relay WL also opens thecontrol circuits for magnets N and R the opening of the front points ofcontacts II and I2, respectively, of relay WL. The releasing. or" relayKR will open the signal control: circuits so that no signal may becaused to indicate proceed over the switch. The releasing of relay KRalso releases the relay KP. The deenergiz'ation of relay KP will causeitsback contact [3 to become closed and its front contact It to becomeopened. The closing of back contact l3 will energize lock magnet L andthe opening of front contact l6 will open the pick-up cir cuit for'relayWL.

Since the signal control circuits are now opened and the control circuitfor the normal magnet N a and reverse magnet R is also each opened, sothat by the lever H.

' I shall next assume that the switching movements have been completed,that the switch has been placed by lever H in its normal position, andthat the selector lever S has been restored to its normal position. Themovement of selector lever S to its normal position removes link 2 fromen- 'gagement with lever H and restores it to engagement with mechanismU. The movement of lever S to its normal position will also closecontacts 1, 8, and 9. The closing of contact 1 causes relay KR to becomeenergized. The energization of relay KR causes relay KP to becomeenergized and the energization of relay KP causes relay WL to becomeenergized. The energization of relay WL will reestablish the controlcircuits for the normal and reverse magnets N and R because contacts 8and 9 have already become closed. The switch W now may again becontrolled by the relay WR.

In the event the switch W, after switching movements have beencompleted, is left by the trainman in a position which does not agreewith the position of the polar armature of relay WR, such, for example,as if the relay WR were in its normal position, as shown in thedrawings, and the switch W were in its reverse position, the relay KRmay not be energized. If the relay KR may not be energized, the relay KPlikewise may not be energized so that relay WL will remain deenergizedand the control of the switch W may not be restored to relay WR untilsuch time as the relay WR is caused, by operation of the remotecontrolled apparatus (not shown in the drawings) to assume a positionwhich corresponds to the position of the switch W. Furthermore, whenrelay WL is prevented from picking up due to a disagreement between theposition of the switch and the position of the polar armature of relayWR, energy is applied, by means of either switch indicating contact 5 orswitch indicating contact 6, directly to either the normal magnet N orthe reverse magnet R depending upon the position of the switch. Sincethe lock magnet L is energized as long as relay KP remains released, theswitch W will be maintained by power in the position to which lastoperated locally until such time as the relay WL is again energized. Theswitch W, therefore, is in a safe condition for the movement of traffic,when'the selector lever is in its normal position, regardless of theposition of relay WR with respect to the position of the switch.

From the foregoing explanation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, it willbe seen that I have provided a simple and reliable means forsafeguarding the local control of a remotely controlled power operatedswitch. When the switch is conditioned for local operation, the switchis removed from control by the remote controlled apparatus and thecontrol circuits for the signals governing trafdc over the switch areinterrupted to hold the signals, not shown in the drawings, in the stopcondition. The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 further provides for therestoration of the control of the switch to the remote controlledapparatus only if the selector lever is returned to its initialcondition, and then only if the position of the switch and the positionof the switch control relay are in agreement. Furthermore, in the eventof disagreement between the position of the switch and the position ofthe switch control relay when the selector lever is returned to itsnormal position, the switch will be maintained by power in the positionto which last. operated locally until such time as the switch controlrelay WR assumes a position corresponding to the position of the switch.

The arrangement of apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is particularly adaptedfor, though in no way limited to, application to switch layouts at whichthe switch control relay WR and switch indicating relay KR are locatedat some distance from the switch W, such, for example, as is frequentlyfound when the switch control and indicating relays for a group ofremote controlled switches are located in a central housing, not shownin the drawings. In the event that relays WR and KR were located somedistance from the switch W and that relays KP and WL were locatedimmediately adjacent the switch, no additional line wires above thenumber usually employed to operate the switch without the local controlfeature will be required between the relays WR and KR and the switch W.That is, if levers S and H were not provided and relays KP and WL wereomitted, so that the switch W could be operated by relay WR only, themagnet L would be controlled directly over a back contact of relay KR byline wire 2|, and line wires I8, I9, 20, 2|, 22, and 23, or exactly thesame number I have shown in Fig. 1, would be required to control theswitch W. Thus, it will be seen that I have provided a means forsafeguarding the local operation of a remote controlled switch withoutthe use of additional line wires.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the apparatus shown therein operatessubstantially as just described for the apparatus shown in Fig. 1,although the relay KP has been omitted. Since relay KP has been omitted,the lock magnet L and the relay WL are both controlled by contact I4A ofrelay KR. Thus when relay KR is energized, relay WL will becomeenergized provided lever S is in its normal position, and when relay KRis deenergized, lock magnet L will become energized. The relay WL isprovided with a stick circuit which includes its own front contact llA,so that, when relay WL is energized, it will remain energized when relayKR becomes deenergized due to the usual operation of the switch W by therelay WR. When relay WL is energized and front point of contact 24 ofrelay WL is closed, the normal and reverse magnets N and R are undercontrol by the relay WR provided selector lever S is in its normalposition and contacts 8 and 9 are closed. When relay WL is released sothat front point of contact 24 becomes opened and back point of contact24 becomes closed, the control of magnets N and R by relay WR isprevented; and if contacts 8 and 9 are closed, the magnets N and R aretransferred to control by switch indicating contacts 5 and 6.

With all parts in their normal condition as illustrated in Fig. 2, theswitch W may be caused to move between its normal and reverse positionsunder control by the relay WR in a manner similar to that described forthe apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1. Likewise, when the switch W is tobe operated locally, the reversal of selector lever S will move link 2out of engagement with mechanism U and into engagement with lever H, andwill also release relays KR and WL. The releasing of relay KR will openthe signal control circuits, and the releasing of relay WL will preventoperation of the mechanism U by the relay WR, even if the lever S isrestored to its initial position, until such time as the relay KR isagain energized; that is, until the switch W and the relay WR occupycorresponding positions. The

releasing of relay-WL als provides, when the selector lever S is in itsnormal position, ameans for maintaining the switch W in the position towhich last operated locally until suchtime as the switch'is restored tocontrol by relay WR. Thus it'will be seen that the arrangementillustrated in .'l lig. 2 provides another simple and reliable meanstor-safeguarding the localoperation of a remote controlled. poweroperated switch.

The arrangement of apparatus shown in Fig. 2

is particularly adapted for, thoughin noway r-limited to, application toswitch layouts atwhich Cal the switch control relay WR and the switch;indicating relay KR. as well as the lock relay WL I ,are all located atthe; same point adjacent the switch. If the local control feature werenot comparatively short. V 7

From the foregoing description of theappaaratus illustrated in Figs. 1and 2, it will be seen that these forms of my invention are particularlyadapted for use with a railway track switchv of the type provided withtwooperating mechanisms; one of which is controlled by apparatus locatedat a point remote from the switchand the other of which is controlled byapparatus located at a point local to the switch. This type of switch isprovided with a mechanical means forconnecting the switch to the remotecon- I trolled mechanism or to the local mechanism as may be desired.The forms of apparatus illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, which I shall nextdescribe, are particularly adapted for application to a railway trackswitch provided with one opcrating mechanism which may be placed undercontrol'by apparatus located at a point remote from the; switch or undercontrol by apparatus described more in detail hereinafter.

located at a point local to the switch, as may be desired.

7 Referring now to: Fig. 3, the reference character UA designatesanother mechanism of the wellknown electro-pneumatic type suitable forthe 50 operation of the switch W. The mechanism UA .as described for thecontrol of mechanism U is controlled in a manner substantially the sameshown in Fig. l.

The mechanism UA maybe caused to move the switch W. between its. normaland reverse positionin response to the energization of a normal -magnetNA or a reverse magnet RAprovided a lock magnet LA is energized. Thenormal magnet NA and the reverse magnet RA may be controlled either bythe switch control relay WR or by a local switch control means whichwill be The lock magnet LA is controlled by the switch indicatingrepeating relay KP. V V

The local switch control meansis herev shown i as a, lever adjacent theswitch W and. designated by.the.reference character. HA. Also associatedwith and adjacent the switch W is a selector lever designated by thereference character SA... When selector lever SA occupies its normalposition, .mechanism UA is under control by the relay WR providedrelay.WL is energized, and whenlever .SA. is in its reverse position,mechanism -UA is under control-by the local switch control-lever .75 V 7apparatus, not shown in the drawings. 7 meantime, relay KB andconsequently relay WL The lever SA is providedwith acontactJA V which isclosedonlywhen the lever SAislini its normal position, and is alsoprovided with (contacts -8A andlBAwhich. are employed at times -fortransferringthe control of the normal and reverse magnets NAand RA,respectively,to control by lever HA. The leverl-IA is provided .withcontacts. 21 and 28 which are employed, when lever SA-is in its reversepositiomfo'r energizing either the normal magnet NA or the reversemagnet RA depending upon the position of locallgopcrating lever H.

Tl'ie swit ch Wgoverns four contacts3A, 4A, 5A,

. and 6A in accordance with the switch positiomby anyusual andwell-known means. Contacts. 3A and lA are employed for at timescontrolling the relay KR'and contacts 5A and 6A are employed for attimes controlling the magnetsNA. and RA.

7 The relays KR, KP, and WL are controlled in. 'exactlythe same manneras described forthe arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1; r The lock magnetLA is controlled by back contact I3 of relay KP. The normalmagnetNA andthe reverse magnet RA'are controlled by the nor- I mal and reversepoints, respectively, of polar contact 16 of relay WR, provided selectorlever SA is in its normal-position and relay WL is energized. Whenselector lever SA is in its reverse positio'rnthe magnets'N and R areunder control by localswitch control lever contacts 21 and28,.respecti'velyJ When, selector lever SA isfin its normal position andrelay WL is deenergized,

the magnets N and R are governed by switch indicating vcontacts 5A and6A, respectively.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 3 maybe operated from a remotepoint in amanner identical to that described for the apparatus shown in Fig. l.

Whenthe switch W is conditioned for local .operationby the reversal ofselector lever SA,ithe I opening 'of contact 1A will ;release relays KRand WL and the reversal of contacts 8A and EA will place normal magnetNA and reverse magnet RA under. control by local switch control leverHA. The de'energization of relay KR will release relay KP whichwillcause lock magnet LA; to become energized. When lock magnet LAisenergized, the mechanism UA may l henbe caused to move the'switch Wbetween its normal and re- U verse positions a in response to thecorrespondingmanipulationof lever HA. 'When the switch-. ing movementshave been completed and. selector lever SA is returned to its normalposition, the relay KR if the position of theswitch and the position'ofthe relay WE are in agreement will become energized; thereby picking uprelayKP so that'relay WL will become energized. When relay WL isenergized the switch W is again restored to control by the relay WR. Inthe event that the position of the switch does not correspond to theposition of the relay WR when the selector lever 'SA is returned to itsnormal position; the relay KR will not become energized until suchcorrespondence is effected upon the 7 operation of relay-WR by theremote controlled In the will each remain deenergized. As long as relayKP remainsdeenergized the lock magnetLAwill remain energized, and aslongas relay 'WL remains deenergized the normal and reverse magnets NAand RA will be under control by switch indicating contacts 5A and 6A,respectively. I The pswitch W, therefore, will be maintained by power inthe position to whichlast operated until such a time as therelay KRbecomes energized. Thus it will be seen that the apparatus, illustratedin Fig. 3, provides a simple and reliable means for safeguarding thelocal control of a remote controlled power switch equipped with anelectropneumatic mechanism of a type different from that employed inFigs. 1 and 2.

For the same reasons as outlined for the arrangement illustrated in Fig.1, the-apparatus shown in Fig. 3 is particularly adapted for, but notlimited to, use at switch layouts where the relays WR and KR are locatedat some distance from the switch W.

Referring now to Fig. i, the reference character UA designates anelectro-pneumatic mechanism of the type illustrated in Fig. 3. Themechanism UA is controlled in a manner substantially the same asdescribed for the control of mechanism U shown in Fig. 2. The selectorlever SA governing contacts FA, 8A, and 9A and the local switch controllever HA governing contacts 21 and 28, each operates in a manner similarto that described for levers SA and HA shown in Fig. 3. The switchindicating contacts 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A each performs the same functionas contacts 3, 4, 5, and 6 shown in Fig. 2, and relays WR, KR, and WLeach operates in the same manner and performs the same functions asdescribed for the arrangement shown in Fig. 2. It will be readilyapparent from the drawings and from the foregoing remarks as to themanner in which the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 operates. It will also bereadily apparent that for the same reasons as outlined for thearrangement shown in Fig. 2, the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 isparticularly adapted for, though not limited to, use

at switch layouts where the relay WL is to be located in the samehousing (not shown in the drawings) as relays WR and KR.

In each of the modifications of my invention as illustrated in Figs. 1,2, 3, and 4, it will be seen that I have provided a reliable means forthe local control of a remotely controlled power operated railway trackswitch, in which, if the selector lever and the local switch operatinglever is each in either the full normal or the full reverse position,the switch is in a safe condition for trafiic regardless of whether theswitch is under control by the remotely controlled apparatus or by thelocal control apparatus. Also, each of the modifications of my inventionprovides a means for causing the signals governing traffic over theswitch to indicate stop when the switch is conditioned for localoperation, and a means for reestablishing the signal control circuitswhen the switch is restored to control by the remote controlledapparatus. Furthermore, each modification of my invention provides ameans for safeguarding the local control of a remote controlled poweroperated switch with a minimum number of line wires between the switchand the switch control and indicating relays. No additional line wiresare required for the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and only twoadditional line wires are required for the arrangement shown in Figs. 2and 4.

Although I have herein shown and described only a few forms of apparatusembodying my invention, it is understood that various changes andmodifications may be made therein within the scope of the appendedclaims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thusdescribed my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a railway traific governing device, means controlledfrom a point remote from said device for at times operating the device,means local to said device for at other times operating the device,selecting apparatus having a normal position in which said device isconditioned for operation by said remote controlled means and anotherposition in which said device is conditioned for operation by said localmeans, a normally energized lock relay eifective when deenergized toprevent control of said deice by said remote controlled means, means forcausing said lock relay to become deenergized when said selectingapparatus is moved to such other position, indicating relay energizedonly when said selecting apparatus is restored to its normal positionprovided said device and said remote controlled means is each in aparticular condition, and means independent of traific conditionsadjacent said switch for maintaining said lock relay in its deenergizedcondition when said selecting apparatus is restored to its normalposition eifective until such time as said indicating relay becomesenergized.

2. hi combination, a railway trafiic governing device, means controlledfrom a point remote from said device for at times operating the device,means local to said device for at other times operating the device,selecting apparatus having a normal position in which said device isconditioned for operation by said remote controlled means and anotherposition in which said device is conditioned for operation by said localmeans, a normally energized lock relay effective when deenergized toprevent control of said device by said remote controlled means, meansfor causing said lock relay to become deenergized when said selectingapparatus is moved to such other position, an indicating relay energizedonly when said selecting apparatus is restored to its normal positionprovided said device and said remote controlled means is each in aparticular condition, a repeating relay energized or deenergized inaccordance with the condition of said indicating relay, and means formaintaining said lock relay in its deenergized condition when saidselecting apparatus is restored to its normal position effective untilsuch time as said repeating relay becomes energized.

3. In combination, a railway traffic governing device, means controlledfrom a point remote from said device for at times operating the device,means local to said device for at other times operating the device,selecting apparatus having a normal position in which said device isconditioned for operation by said remote controlled means and anotherposition in which said device is conditioned for operation by said localmeans, an indicating relay energized only if said device and said remotecontrolled means is each in a particular condition when said selectingapparatus is in its normal position, and means for maintaining saiddevice in a particular condition until such time as said indicatingrelay becomes energized effective when said selecting apparatus isrestored to its normal position after having been placed in such otherposition.

4. In combination, a railway traflic governing device, means controlledfrom a point remote from said device for at times operating the device,means local to said device for at other times operating the device,selecting apparatus having a normal position in which said device isconditioned for operation by said remote controlled means and anotherposition in which said device is conditioned for operation by said localmeans,

an indicating relay energized only if said device and said remotecontrolled means is each in a particular condition when said selectingapparatus is in its normal position, a pair'of switch in-,

l'o c al operation, a normallyrenergizedlock relay,

' imeansfor deeriergizing said lock relay upon the operation ofv saidmanually operable means to condition said device for local. operation,means forremovingsaid device. from control by said remote controlledapparatus when said lock ree lay is deenergized, an indicating relayenergized when said manually'operable meansis in its in:

conditioned ior operation by said remote controlled means and a reverseposition in which said switch is conditioned for operation by said localmeans, a contact closed only when said. selector lever is in its normalposition, a switch indicating relay? remote from saidswitch, .a switchindicat- 7 ing repeating relay adjacent saidswitch, a n or- .5 dicatingcontacts, and means for placingsaid trolled-apparatus,means forenergizing said lock '5 device under control by said pair of switchindirelay to restore said device to control by said re cating contactswhen said selecting apparatus mote'controlled apparatus effective whensaid inis returned to its normai; position after having dicating relayis energized, and means for mainbeen moved to such other positioneffective only taining said device in the position to whichlast 10 ifsaid indicating relay is deenergized. operated until said device isrestored to control 10* 5. In combination, a railway trafiic governingby said -remote}controlled apparatus. device, a power mechanism foroperating said 8..In combination, a railway trafiic governin device,means controlled'from a point remote device power mechanism foroperating said'de; from said device for at times governing said vice,aisource of power,a first relay remote from mechanism, meanslocal tosaid device for at other said device for governing said mechanism, an}15? times governing said mechanism, selecting appaother relay remotefrom said device for indicati ratus having a normal position in whichsaid ing-the condition of thedevice with respect tot mechanism isconditioned 'for operation by said condition of said first relay, athird relay adjacent .remote controlledmeans and another position insaid device repeating the condition of said other 20,. which saidmechanism is conditioned for operarelay, meansicontrolled by saidthirdrelay for v tion by said local means, an indicating relayensupplying power for the operation of said mechergized only if saiddevice and said remote con anism in accordance with the condition ofsaid trolled means is each in a particular condition other relay, acircuit controller adjacent said de-* Whensaid selecting apparatus-is inits normal vice, means for transferring said power mechaposition,.anormally energized lock relay effec nism to control by said circuitcontroller, and tive when deenergized'to maintain said device bymeansincluding said third reiay for supplying; power in a particularcondition provided saidsepower continuously tosaid mechanism as long asiecting apparatus is in its. normal position and the mechanism. remainsunder control by said said indicating relay-is deenergized, means forcircuit controller. T r

' O deenergizing saidlock relay when said selecting 9. In combination,a. railway track switch, a

i pparatus is placed in such other position, and normal and ,a reversemagnet for controlling means for maintaining said'lockrrelay initsdemovements of saidswitch to normal and reverse energized conditionwhen. said selecting fappapositions respectively,,a circuit'for saidnormal v ratus is restored. to its normal position effective magnet anda circuit fer said reverse magnet,- r e-- ;until such time assaidindicating relay becomes mote controlled meansiorat times'governingsaid 35 1 energized. 2; circuitsgmeans local to said switch for at otherI 6.,In combination, a railway traflic governing times'governing saidnormal and reverse magdeyice having two positions, remote controlledapnets, apparatus for selecting between said remote paratus capableofassuming different conditions, controlled means and said local means, alock re- 7 40 means for operating said device toone position laycontrolledin part by said selecting apparatus, 4o or the other inaccordan'eewith the condition of and a contact of said lockrelayincludedin said said remote controlled means, manually operablecircuitfor the normal magnet aswell as in said means for conditioningsaid device for local opercircuit for the reverse magnet. i 7

ation; .a lock relay. having a normal position, 16.;In combination, arailway track switch,a

means for causing said lock relay toassume a normal and a reverse magnetfor controlling 45 difierent position uponthe manipulation. of said.movements of said switchto normal and reverse manualiy operable means toconditionsaid device: positions respectively, remote controlled meansforlocai operation, means for removing said .defor at times controllingsaid normal and reverse vice from control by said remote controlledappa-i magnets, a lock relay having .a normal condition, 5Qjratus whensaid lock relay assumes such diner-i; a normal switch'indicating contacta reverse ent position, an indicating relay energized if the; switchindicating contact, means for causing said condition of said devicecorresponds to the posi-i; lock relay to assume adiiierent condition toretion of said remote controlled apparatus provided move said normal andreverse magnets from consaidmanually operable means is inits initialcontrol by said remote controlled rneans and to place 5 5jdition,. meansincluding Said-.indicating relay said, normal and reverse magnets undercontrol effective to cause said lock relay to assume its. by said normaland reverse switch indicating con normal position to restore saiddeviceto control tacts,v a switch indicating relay, and means conby'said remote controlled apparatus, and means trolled in part by, saidswitch indicating relay. for maintainingsaid device in one position orthe efiective to restore said lock relaytoitsnormal 0' other efiectivewhen said lock relay is in such-.7 condition. q 1; V

diiierent position provided said manually operable 11. In combinationwith a railway track switch,v meansis in its initial condition. remotecontrolled means for at times operating fl. In combinatiomarailwaygtrafiic governing said switch, means local to said switchfor atI device having two positions, remote controlled other times operatingthe switch, a selector lever apparatus capable of assuming differentcondihaving a norrnal position inwhichsaidswitch is 65' mallyenergizedstick relay effective when deenercontact of said repeating relay andsaid selector lever contact, and a stick circuit for said stick relayincluding its own front contact and said selector lever contact.

12. In combination, a railway track switch, mechanism for controllingsaid switch including a normal and a reverse magnet as well as a lockmagnet and adapted to move said switch between its normal and reversepositions in response to the energization of said normal and reversemagnets respectively provided said lock magnet is energized, a switchcontrol relay for at times controlling said normal and reverse magnets,a switch indicating relay remote from said switch, a relay adjacent saidswitch repeating said indicating relay, means including said repeatingrelay for governing said lock magnet, and means controlled in part bysaid repeating relay effective at times to prevent control of saidnormal and reverse magnets by said switch control relay.

13. In combination, a railway track switch, mechanism for controllingsaid switch including a normal and a reverse magnet as well as a lockmagnet and adapted to move said switch between its normal and reversepositions in response to the energization of said normal and reversemagnets respectively provided said lock magnet is energized, a switchcontrol relay for at times controlling said normal and reverse magnets,a switch indicating relay, means including a back contact of said switchindicating relay for governing said lock magnet, a normally energizedlock relay effective when deenergized to prevent control of said normaland reverse magnets by said switch control relay, and means controlledby a front contact of said switch indicating relay effective at times togovern said lock relay.

14. In combination, a railway track switch, a normal and a reversemagnet for controlling movements of said switch to normal and reversepositions respectively, remote controlled means for at times governingsaid normal and reverse magnets, means local to said switch for at othertimes governing the switch, apparatus for selecting between said remotecontrolled means and said local means, a. pair of switch indicatingcontacts, a switch indicating repeating relay, and a lock relaycontrolled by said switch indicating repeating relay and by saidselecting apparatus and effective at times toplace said normal andreverse magnets under control by said pair of switch indicatingcontacts.

15. In combination, a railway track switch, a normal and a reversemagnet for controlling movements of said switch to normal and reversepositions respectively, remote controlled means for at times governingsaid normal and reverse magnets, means local to said switch for at othertimes governing said normal and reverse magnets, apparatus for selectingbetween said remote controlled means and said local means, a pair ofswitch indicating contacts, a switch indicating repeating relay, and alock relay controlled by said switch indicating repeating relay as wellas by said selecting apparatus and efiective at times to place saidnormal and reverse magnets under control by said pair of switchindicating contacts.

16. In combination, a railway track switch, mechanism for operating saidswitch, a switch control relay, a switch indicating relay which becomesdeenergized when said switch and said switch control relay are indisagreement, means controlled by said switch control relay for at timesgoverning said mechanism, said means being eiTective when and only whensaid switch indicating relay is deenergized, and apparatus controlled inpart by said switch indicating relay for at other times removing saidmechanism from control by said means.

17. In combination, a railway track switch, power mechanism foroperating said switch, a switch control relay, a switch indicating relaywhich becomes deenergized when said switch and said switch control relayare in disagreement, means controlled by said switch control relay forat times governing said mechanism, said means being efiective when onlywhen said switch indicating relay is deenergized and apparatuscontrolled in part by said switch indicating relay for at other timesremoving said mechanism from control by said means and then maintainingthe switch in a particular position by power.

18. In combination, a railway track switch, mechanism for operating saidswitch, a switch control relay, a switch indicating relay, circuitscontrolled jointly by said switch control relay and said switchindicating relay for at times governing said mechanism, other switchindicating means operably connected to said switch, and apparatuscontrolled in part by said switch indicating relay for at other timesremoving said mechanism from control by said circuits and then placingsaid mechanism under control by said other switch indicating means.

19. In combination, a railway track switch, mechanism for operating saidswitch, a switch control relay, a switch indicating relay, circuitscontrolled jointly by said switch control relay and said switchindicating relay for at times governing said mechanism, a repeatingrelay controlled only by said switch indicating relay, and meanscontrolled in part by said repeating relay for at other times removingsaid mechanism from control by said circuits.

20. In combination, a railway track switch, mechanism for operating saidswitch, a switch control relay, a switch indicating relay which becomesdeenergized when said switch and said switch control relay are indisagreement, circuits controlled by said switch control relay for attimes governing said mechanism, said circuits being effective when andonly when said switch indicating relay is deenergized, and a relaycontrolled in part by said switch indicating relay for at other timesremoving said mechanism from control by said circuits.

GEORGE R. PFLASTERER,

